Genetically Modified Rice: Issues in the first half of 2005 [ September 17, 2005]
Genetically Modified Rice: Issues in the first half of 2005
In Japan the development of genetically modified (GM) rice is
mainly promoted by governmental research institutes. Citing
"cedar-pollen allergy preventive rice" as an example, they are
stipulating both research and commercialization of GM crops in the
progress schedule of Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas Basic Plan,
expressing their strong intention to proceed with the plan as
national policy. As we view the different pamphlets
addressing consumers, producers and governmental agencies made in
accordance with the basic plan, it also becomes evident that they
intend to proceed without exposing the issue too much to opposing
consumers, as there are no information on GM development given in
the pamphlet for consumers, while there are some (on the
"development of pollen allergy preventive rice") in the pamphlet
for producers, and more in the detailed pamphlet for governmental
agencies.
The controversial field trial of the cedar-pollen allergy
preventive rice last year was eventually carried out at the
National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) in Tsukuba
(Ibaraki prefecture). Further experiment continues in 2005 at
the same location, and rice seedlings were planted on June 8.
Meanwhile, field trials of disease resistant rice are carried out
at the National Agricultural Research Center's Hokuriku Research
Center in Joetsu (Niigata prefecture) despite strong opposition
from nearby farmers. This disease resistant rice proclaims
"less pesticide use", provoking the wrath of organic farmers.
Although Hokkaido passed the Anti-hybridization Prefectural
Ordinance for Growing Genetically Modified Crops, to be enacted in
October 2005, the National Agricultural Research Center for
Hokkaido Region has announced a plan to start field trials of
cool-weather resistant GM rice from 2007.
Abroad, there were news reports that pesticidal rice seeds
developed by the Huazhong University of Agriculture in China were
commercially sold and the harvested rice was exported. The
Japanese government maintained that the rice did not enter Japan,
mainly because it was Indica breed, and because Japan doesn't
import rice from Hubei region.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) announced a plan
to develop new Golden Rice containing twenty times more
beta-carotene and to commercially produce the rice in Asian
countries within four or five years. (Nihon Nougyou Shimbun,
2005/6/5)
Aside from rice, it was found out that pesticidal dent corn (Bt10) – its safety yet to be proven – was grown from 2001 to 2004 in the US and marketed as animal feed. They have also been detected in Japan. Those found at the port were barred from entering the country, but for those already being marketed the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) assured "there is no safety problem". In response to the discovery in March, the European Union (EU) announced in April it would "not allow import of animal feed from the US unless its safety is proven".
Disease resistant rice: Hokuriku Research
Center
Segregated field trials are conducted in 2005 on “Dontokoi" breed,
resistant to rice blast and bacterial leaf blight. The trials
will continue till 2006, and seven lines will be tested.
Regarding its safety as food, it has so far been reported that,
"safety as food has not been examined, but according to tests
conducted by the National Food Research Institute, it was confirmed
that one of the two introduced genes, mALS, does not have an amino
acid sequence suggested to be a toxic protein, and the other gene,
defensin, does not have the sequence suggested to be a toxic
protein or an allergen, and its complete digestibility has been
confirmed through digestive experiment using artificial gastric and
intestinal fluids" (from the Field Trial Plan).
On June 24, farmers and consumers of Niigata prefecture filed a
provisional disposition with Niigata District Court Takada
Division, urging to stop planting rice seedlings outdoors.
The cedar-pollen allergy preventive rice: National
Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
The National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences is conducting
segregated field trials in 2005, to be continued till 2006.
Regarding its safety as food, it has been reported that, "the
cedar-pollen allergy preventive rice containing peptide does not
fall under crops approved safe for food or animal feed" (from the
Field Trial Plan). It has also been announced that toxicity,
reproduction, mutation and antigenicity tests using mice, rats and
monkeys will be conducted in 2006 to examine its safety as food,
followed by an efficacy evaluation test through human oral
administration after consulting the ethics committee of concerned
authorities.
Iron deficiency tolerant rice (alkaline soil tolerant
rice): Tokyo University Graduate School
Segregated field trials are conducted in 2005 at the Tohoku
University, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Field Science
Center, for two years until 2007.
Short statue lodging resistant rice: The National
Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
Segregated field trials are conducted in 2005 in Tsukuba, Ibaraki
prefecture. Plans for 2006 onward are undecided.
Cool-weather resistant rice: National Agricultural
Research Center for Hokkaido Region
According to newspapers, Nihon Nougyou Shimbun and Hokkaido Shimbun
dated June 9, 2005, National Agricultural Research Center for
Hokkaido Region indicated plan to conduct open air experiment from
2007. It will also apply for a patent. Until 2006 it
will conduct closed experiments inside the greenhouse.
2004 Current Situation concerning GM Rice in Japan [ February 01, 2005]
2004 Current Situation concerning GM Rice in
Japan
GM Watch Center
Current Development Status
The Cartagena protocol
In 2004, genetic modification developments in Japan were affected
by the establishment of national law based on the Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety adopted by the Biodiversity Treaty.
Firstly, biodiversity impact assessment became obligatory for all
genetically modified (hereinafter referred to as GM) crops. Crops
that lack impact assessment, though it may already be in market,
must newly undergo an assessment.
This is good news to consumers against GM.
However, because the law excluded cultivated species from its
biodiversity range, impacts on crops were ignored. Contamination
by GM species is beginning to expand, as imported rapeseeds are
shipped from Japanese harbors to several parts of the country,
and seeds dropped during transportation continue to germinate and
bloom elsewhere. It is hard to accept the narrow view Japanese
government and Congress take on biodiversity, dismissing these
cases as not subject to regulation.
Secondly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(MAFF) laid out "Guideline on Experimental Cultivation of
Genetically Modified Crops Approved by Regulation on First Type
Usage". "First Type Usage" refers to usages in field trials and
commercial cultivation. With the establishment of this
experimental guideline, related public institutions now must
obtain consent from local residents through preliminary
explanatory meetings and disclose information.
Consequently, preliminary explanatory meetings concerning GM crop
field trials were carried out and information were disclosed,
enabling us to be notified of the situation beforehand, rather
than after the experiment started as until last year.
Activities were enforced by these efforts.
However, isolation distance specified in the Guideline is not
enough to prevent interbreeding.
Field trials
Field trials took place in 2004 as well. Field trials were
planned for four varieties, but since one was then switched to
greenhouse experiment, only three varieties were actually
experimented outdoors.
High concentration tryptophan rice
This is a variety developed by the National Institute of Crop
Science (NICS) under the National Agriculture and Bio-oriented
Research Organization (NARO), a governmental research
organization in relation to MAFF, and was experimented in
isolated fields of National Agricultural Research Center in
Tsukuba (Ibaraki, Japan). The first isolated field trial took
place in 2003, and this was the second field trial.
They grew two lines of the rice variety "Nihon-bare", high in
concentration of tryptophan, an amino acid used as additive in
animal feed. Their object in 2004 was to produce experimentally
cultivated rice necessary for feeding experiment (to
chickens).
National Institute of Crop Science (NICS) (http://nics.naro.affrc.go.jp/)
Short stem, fall resistant rice
This is a variety developed by the National Institute of
Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), a governmental research
organization in relation to MAFF. Two varieties, one short
statued and one elect-leaved, have undergone
experimentation.
Both varieties, with characteristics of fall prevention,
increased harvest, and improvement of workability, aim for
another "green revolution".
Using "Dontokoi" variety as a host, isolated field trials were
carried out in a NIAS facility in Tsukuba from May 2004.
One is a variety with short statue, derived by introducing
gibberellin-2-oxidase gene that inactivates gibberellin in
plants. The other is a rice variety with elect-leafs, derived by
introducing modified brassinolide receptor gene, a brassinolide
(plant hormone) receptor variant.
National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS)
(http://www.nias.affrc.go.jp/gmo/rice/)
Hay fever preventing rice (field trial
terminated)
This variety was developed by National Institute of
Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), with collaborative research
undertaken by National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative
Association (JA) incorporating many farmers in Japan, and field
trial planned at the Zen-Noh Agricultural Research and
Development Center in Hiratsuka (Kanagawa, Japan).
There are numerous cases of allergies such as nasal inflammation
in early spring in Japan due to pollens released from forested
cedars. 10% of all Japanese, or 13 million, are said to be
suffering from hey fever.
The rice was developed with an aim to prevent these allergic
symptoms.
A protein 7Crp not existing in nature is expressed in this rice,
by synthesizing artificial DNA corresponding to the active site
(epitope) of the allergen protein.
Kawata Masaharu of GMO Information Service Japan (GISJ:
http://www2.odn.ne.jp/~cdu37690/) points out, "Because this
protein does not exist naturally, safety evaluation different
from that carried out on hitherto known GM crops must be
undertaken, and it needs to be evaluated as medicine rather than
as food".
MAFF has also expressed concern that it should not be permitted
as food.
That JA, the farmers association, took part in its development
shocked not only consumers but farmers themselves.
Concerns were raised over the risk the variety may hold against
the environment and human body.
The explanatory meeting organized by JA got completely tangled,
and many protested including local farmers.
Kanagawa prefecture also called for the termination. As a result,
JA decided to stop field trials and change to a greenhouse
experiment indoors. JA also indicated that it plans to stop its
developmental steps within two years.
National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Association
(JA)
(http://www.zennoh.or.jp/)
Anti-GM Activities
After a report on field trials of hay fever preventing rice was
broadcasted, more than hundred citizens, farmers and NGOs
gathered in the explanatory meeting. Signature campaigns were
carried out by citizens and NGOs, and after repeated
negotiations, JA dropped the field trial.
Not only the GM rice, but also the field trials of GM potatoes
were stopped by protesting local residents.
In 2001, NGOs in Japan demanded Aventis CropScience Japan
(currently Bayer CropScience Shionogi) to drop its application of
GM "LL rice" as food and succeeded in reversing the company's
decision.
In 2001, 580,000 signatures and citizen's protest stopped the
development and commercialization of anti-herbicide GM rice
developed through collaboration of Aichi prefecture and
Monsanto.
This triggered withdrawal of private businesses from GM rice and
crops development.
In 2003, 400,000 signatures and citizen's protest stopped GM rice
development by Iwate prefecture.
Protesting movements were initiated in Hokkaido, Kagawa, Ibaraki
prefectures where field trials of GM rice took place.
As a result, almost all prefectural GM crop developments were
terminated.
That leaves governmental research organizations of MAF and
research facilities such as Universities. Governmental research
organizations such as NIAS continue research developments of GM
rice and other crops using a large sum of national budget.
In 2004, citizens and farmers were able to put their strength
together to stop development and commercialization of hay fever
preventing rice. Citizen's concern and interest against GM crops
are increasing.
2004 was designated a United Nations Rice Year, and research
sessions related to GM rice were held in Japan. At the same time,
the NGOs invited guest speakers against GM from abroad and
organized anti-GM meetings.
Currently No! GMO Campaign in Japan is calling nationwide for the
establishment of GM Monitoring Network. It is also calling for
Declaration of GM Free Zones to municipalities, producer's
organizations, consumer cooperatives, etc. In Hokkaido, there is
a move to establish an ordinance regulating GM cultivation and
experimentation.
As expected, GM promoters are continuously appealing GM's safety
through the media, accusing anti-GM movement as "nonscientific
and based on ignorance". We must vigorously continue our
activities, as there is now a plan to plant GM soy in Hokkaido.
However, anti-GM activities in Japan are building strength
through several achievements.
No! GMO Campaign (http://www.no-gmo.org/)
GMO Information Service Japan (GISJ) (http://www2.odn.ne.jp/~cdu37690/)
State of Genetically Modified Rice in Japan: First Half 2003 [ August 12, 2003]
State of Genetically Modified Rice in Japan: First
Half 2003
(July 2003 GMR Watch)
Development
* Open field cultivation tests begin in
Hokkaido
"Kitaake" rice, an acidic-soil resistant strain (modified with
corn DNA) was approved for isolated field cultivation in 2002 and
for open field cultivation in 2003. The National Institute of
Agrobiological Sciences and the National Institute for
Agro-Environmental Sciences lead this development, and open field
cultivation will begin this year at the National Agricultural
Research Center for Hokkaido Region.
The primary application would be as a seed crop for this
acidic-soil resistant variety. Although it is difficult to
imagine that this variety would soon be grown for human
consumption, the development of this rice variety is currently
the most advanced since the development of "Matsuribare" was
halted.
After the open field test cultivation, we must be careful of what
kind of action develops. In particular, during 2001 and 2002,
cultivation tests for genetically modified soy (resistant to
Monsanto's Round Up) took place in Hokkaido and there is no
telling when commercial planting may occur. This will probably be
the first step in the commercial production of genetically
modified crops in Hokkaido. It is important that the opposition
movement against genetically modified crops gains momentum in
Hokkaido.
* Isolated field cultivation tests begin in Tsukuba city,
Ibaragi
"Nipponbare," an animal-feed rice variety that stores high
concentrations of the essential amino acid tryptophan, was
approved for isolated field cultivation in 2003. Development is
being carried out by the National Institute of Crop Science. This
variety was developed using genetically modified rice enzymes to
store high concentrations of tryptophan, an amino acid added to
animal feed. The isolated field cultivation is being conducted by
the National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences in Tsukuba
city, Ibaragi.
* Isolated field cultivation tests begin in Kitakami
city, Iwate
"Sasanishiki," a cold-resistant rice variety, was developed by
the Iwate Biotechnology Research Center. In 2003, approval was
granted for isolated field cultivation, and a two-year isolated
field cultivation test period is currently being planned. This
variety of Sasanishiki rice has been made more resistant to cold
by the introduction of genetic material from other rice
varieties. The tests will be conducted in outdoor fields at the
Iwate Biotechnology Research Center. Incidentally, it said that
this variety will also be resistant to the herbicide
paraquat.
In response to these developments, farmers in Towa town, Waga
County, Iwate, have formed a Genetically Modified Rice Watch
Network and are starting a movement to monitor and stop these
test cultivations.
* Planning for development and commercialization of rice
for treating diabetes
Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co., Ltd. Nippon Paper Industries, and the
National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences all released press
releases on May 12 announcing the development of a genetically
modified rice variety that contains peptides necessary for
insulin secretion. The releases also indicated a desire to
commercially develop the rice as a treatment for diabetes.
Even if the rice were to become a commercial product, it could
only be supplied under the guidance of a physician. This variety
reportedly targets Type II diabetes, a lifestyle disease, but
there are some reports questioning the validity of this
claim.
Because this variety is one that is not beneficial to production
but rather has value added for the consumer, the Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is using it to push this
entire field of development. The fact that the press releases
have been released at this point, during development, shows that
there is an attempt being made to recover from the setback to
genetically modified rice development caused by the halting of
"Matsuribare" herbicide-resistant rice development and the
pull-out of JT and Orynova.
But, according to the media, a commercial product is planned for
2006, making it the first such GM rice product.
* Planning a new Green Revolution with a new short
stemmed variety
The Bioscience and Biotechnology Center at Nagoya University and
The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research have successfully
completed the basic research to develop a short-stemmed,
high-yield variety of genetically modified rice. This
accomplishment was announced on the internet in March 2003 under
the title "Successful Genetic Isolation of 'Green Revolution'
Rice."
* Preventing Pollen Allergies with Rice
In February 2003, Shigei Medical University and the Department of
Agriculture at Tohoku University developed a new rice variety
that produces a protein that is a cause of allergies related to
cedar pollen. A newspaper article reported that the rice was fed
to mice to control the outbreak of allergies by desensitization
and that these effects were not diminished when the rice was
heated.
* National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences and the
International Rice Research Institute Seek a New Green
Revolution
The International Rice Research Institute, an independent
administrative institution, announced in a December 17, 2003,
press release that they were pursuing a new green revolution
through genetic engineering over the next five years, working in
conjunction with the National Institute of Agrobiological
Sciences.
In this way, development of genetically modified rice is being
carried out by an independent administrative institution under
the guidance of the government. Most of the funding is supplied
by the government as well. Furthermore, joint development with
the IRRI, who lead the promotion of the development of Golden
Rice and herbicide-resistant rice, is making progress. Behind all
of this activity, we can see the movement of corporations that
promote genetic engineering, starting with Monsanto.
There has been no commercial planting of genetically modified
crops in Japan as of yet, but we have not escaped from the
planting of genetically modified crops, as evidenced by the test
crops of soy and other testing occurring throughout the
country.
We must expand our activities to resist these developments.
Current Status
In the autumn of 2002, because of a national opposition movement
by consumers and farmers, Aichi prefecture and Monsanto stopped
development of the herbicide-resistant "Matsuribare" rice
variety.
A group called the "Bio-Produce Group" carried out the
demonstration cultivation of an herbicide resistant soy crop in
2001 and 2002. Through the growth of the opposition movement and
the concern of the government and local authorities, the
cultivation has been limited to Yawara village in Ibaragi
prefecture.
Despite this resistance, test cultivation of GM rice has begun in
Hokkaido, Iwate, and Ibaragi. In response, the opposition
movement to prevent domestic GM crops is spreading and gaining
strength throughout the country. In particular, rice farmers in
Iwate prefecture are proactively opposing GM rice and are being
supported by consumer organizations.
In March 2003, Dr. Vandana Shiva, a leader, activist, and
scientist working on global and biotechnological issues, visited
Japan. She gave a speech at the NO GMO Foods National Meeting and
was warmly welcomed by the Tokyo participants.
From June to July 2003, Percy Schmeiser, a Canadian farmer
currently battling Monsanto, came to Japan and gave talks at 9
different locations in Japan. Both farmers and consumers agreed
with Mr. Schmeiser when he said that if GM crops were grown in
the country, it would be impossible to farm organically within a
few years, and farmers would lose the freedom to choose their
seeds and their farming methods.
Currently, we are working with local opposition movements to
gather signatures and support efforts to stop the test
cultivation of GM rice, and the demonstration cultivation of
herbicide-resistant soy in Yawara village in Ibaragi.